Tensile Canopy and Amphitheatre Steps, Manchester

1 October 2019 · Manchester

A wave-form tensile canopy dominates the public square, its scalloped membrane roof riding on black structural steel above wide amphitheatre steps. Two figures sit at opposite ends of the staircase, small against the geometry. The broken autumn sky overhead mirrors the rhythm of the canopy's undulating edge — both restless, both structured in their own way. Manchester city centre holds a surprising density of contemporary architecture; this outdoor venue is one of the less-photographed examples.